Hundreds of ballet dancers go on tippy toes simultaneously to break Guinness World Record at NYC’s Plaza Hotel

Georgett Roberts, Natalie O'Neill
Hundreds of ballet dancers go on tippy toes simultaneously to break Guinness World Record at NYC’s Plaza Hotel
Hundreds of ballet dancers go on tippy toes simultaneously to break Guinness World Record at NYC's Plaza Hotel

They’re keeping the competition on their toes.

Hundreds of young ballet dancers simultaneously perched on their tippy toes — holding the grueling pose for more than a minute to set a new world record at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan Wednesday.

A total of 353 dancers from across the globe held the position, known as going “en pointe,” to beat the current Guinness World Record of 306, said Youth America Grand Prix, the group that organized the tutu-centric turnout.

“I screamed and I clapped. I was in shock,” dancer Amanda Toledo, 13, said of the moment organizers announced they’d won the title of Most Ballet Dancers En Pointe Simultaneously. “I’m feeling proud.”

To prove their pointe that they belong in the history books, the teen ballet dancers were required to support all of their body weight on the tips of their fully extended feet at the same time.

Hundreds of young ballet dancers simultaneously perched on their tippy toes — holding the grueling pose for a minute — to set a new world record at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan Wednesday. Matthew McDermott
Hundreds of young ballet dancers simultaneously perched on their tippy toes — holding the grueling pose for a minute — to set a new world record at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan Wednesday. Matthew McDermott
Teens hailed from 20 states to participate in the event. Matthew McDermott
Teens hailed from 20 states to participate in the event. Matthew McDermott
Young ballet dancers prepare to set the Guinness World Record for Most Ballerinas En Pointe Simultaneously at The Plaza Hotel on April 17, 2024. Getty Images
Young ballet dancers prepare to set the Guinness World Record for Most Ballerinas En Pointe Simultaneously at The Plaza Hotel on April 17, 2024. Getty Images

Teenage participants from more than 20 states — including New York, Hawaii and Idaho  — busted the move, which is considered among ballet’s most strenuous.

“I can’t even believe it,” said Emma Power, 15, a dancer from Minnesota. “I came here to break the record and we did. I feel so proud for everyone.”

The young dancers were required to go “en point” on their toes for one minute. Matthew McDermott
The young dancers were required to go “en point” on their toes for one minute. Matthew McDermott
Young dancers from as far away as Japan, China, Germany and Portugal participated in the event. Matthew McDermott
Young dancers from as far away as Japan, China, Germany and Portugal participated in the event. Matthew McDermott
Dancers had to hold the pose for a minute. Matthew McDermott
Dancers had to hold the pose for a minute. Matthew McDermott

Reaganne Beamer, 18, added: “I’m feeling excited because I get to be part of something so special.”

Young dancers from as far away as Japan, China, Germany and Portugal also participated in the record-busting event in the famed hotel’s Terrace Room.

Dancers congratulate each other after the successful record attempt at the Plaza. Matthew McDermott
Dancers congratulate each other after the successful record attempt at the Plaza. Matthew McDermott
Youth America Grand Prix organized the record-setting event at Plaza Hotel. Matthew McDermott
Youth America Grand Prix organized the record-setting event at Plaza Hotel. Matthew McDermott

The previous record was set on Sept 10, 2019 during a taping of “Live! with Kelly and Ryan” on West 67th Street in Manhattan, according to Guinness.

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